Mandibular subluxation device and method

ABSTRACT

A mandibular subluxation device (MSD) is provided. The device includes an upper MSD component and a lower MSD component. The upper MSD component includes and upper tooth guide connected to an upper plate having a pair of depending legs. The upper MSD component further includes an upper force receiving plate. The MSD also includes a lower MSD component. The lower MSD component includes a lower tooth guide connected to a lower plate. The lower MSD component further includes a lower force receiving plate. The upper and lower MSD components are connected in a way that allows relative longitudinal movement between the two components between a neutral position and a plurality of extended positions. A ratchet mechanism inhibits movement of the lower plate from any extended position toward the neutral position. The ratchet mechanism may be manually disengaged to allow the lower MSD component to return to the neutral position.

This is a non-provisional patent application which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/163,007 filed May 18, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a mandibular subluxation device and method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Surgical access to zone 3 of the neck can be restrictive due to the triangular bony confines of the vertical mandibular ramus and the mastoid process. Critical anatomic structures residing in the area, namely the internal carotid artery and major cranial nerves, require proper exposure to facilitate structural preservation and procedural implementation. Proper exposure can be challenging particularly in the presences of a short neck, morbid obesity, a high carotid bifurcation or the need for extended carotid dissection above C₂. Mandibular subluxation can provide access to these anatomical structures for performing medical procedures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment, there is provided a mandibular subluxation device (MSD). The MSD comprises a first mandibular subluxation component including an upper plate and an upper tooth guide. The MSD further comprises a second mandibular subluxation component including a lower plate and a lower tooth guide connected to the lower plate. The first mandibular subluxation component is connected with the second mandibular subluxation component to allow relative longitudinal movement between the first and second mandibular subluxation components between a neutral position and at least one extended position. A ratchet mechanism acts between the first and second mandibular subluxation components. The ratchet assembly allows for movement of the second mandibular subluxation component from the neutral position to an extended position and inhibits movement of the second mandibular subluxation component from an extended position toward the neutral position.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a method of mandibular subluxation. The method comprises positioning an upper tooth guide of a first mandibular subluxation component relative to a patient and positioning a lower tooth guide of a second mandibular subluxation component relative to a patient. The second mandibular subluxation component is in a neutral position when positioned. A force is applied to the second mandibular subluxation component in a direction away from the patient to move the second mandibular subluxation component relative to the first mandibular subluxation component from the neutral position to an extended position thereby to distract the patient's mandible. The second mandibular subluxation component is held in an extended position by a ratchet mechanism on the first mandibular subluxation component and the second mandibular subluxation component.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4a is a side view the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a neutral position;

FIG. 4b is a side view the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an extended position;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an extended position;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, partially broken away, showing the ratchet mechanism disengaged; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 as used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or its uses.

An embodiment of a mandibular subluxation device (MSD) is generally shown at 10. The MSD 10 may be useful to allow for anterior displacement of the vertical ramus of the mandible to provide access to the internal carotid artery and major cranial nerves. As best shown in FIG. 3, the MSD 10 may comprise a first or upper MSD component generally indicated at 12 and a second or lower MSD component, generally indicated at 14. The upper MSD component 12 may comprise an injection molded component. The lower MSD 14 component may comprise an injection molded component. The upper MSD component 12 and lower MSD component 14 may comprise any suitable material.

In the embodiment shown, the upper MSD component 12 has an upper plate 16. The upper plate 16 is preferably connected to an upper tooth guide 18. The upper tooth guide 18 preferably envelopes a dentate or edentulous alveolar ridge of the patient. All or part of the upper tooth guide 18 may be covered with a relatively soft material. By way of non-limiting example, the upper tooth guide 18 may be overmolded with a relatively soft urethane material.

As shown, the upper plate 16 extends from the upper tooth guide 18. The upper plate 16 is preferably generally rectangular. While the upper plate 16 is described as being generally rectangular, it will be appreciated that the upper plate 16 may take any suitable geometrical configuration. As best seen in FIG. 3, the upper plate 16 preferably includes a pair of legs 20 a, 20 b depending therefrom. The legs 20 a, 20 b depend from opposite sides of the upper plate 16. Each leg 20 a, 20 b has a lip 22 a, 22 b extending therefrom respectively. Each lip 22 a and 22 b extends in a direction inwardly or toward the direction of the centerline of the upper plate 16. The upper surfaces of each lip 22 a and 22 b are preferably generally rectangular and are preferably relatively smooth and parallel with the bottom surface of the upper plate 16. The bottom surfaces of each lip 22 a and 22 b may be angled or ramped. The bottom side of the upper plate 16, legs 20 a, 20 b and lips 22 a and 22 b preferably cooperate to form a guide to receive a lower plate 30, as will be described in more detail below.

The upper plate 16 preferably includes a pair of spaced apart slits 26. A center portion 28 of the upper plate 16 is thereby formed between the slits 26. Outer portions 29 of the upper plate are adjacent the slits 26. The legs 20 a, 20 b depend from the respective outer portions 29. The center portion 28 may flex relative to the outer portion 29 of the upper plate 16 in the vertical direction as the MSD 10 is best shown in FIG. 7.

As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, the center portion 28 of the upper plate 16 further includes a pawl 34 extending from the bottom surface thereof. The pawl 38 is part of a ratchet mechanism that is used to maintain the MSD 10 in an appropriate extended position, as will be described in more detail below.

The upper MSD component 12 further includes an upper force receiving plate generally indicated at 24. In the embodiment shown, the upper force receiving plate 24 extends transversely and preferably perpendicularly to the upper plate 16 and is connected thereto. As shown, the upper force receiving plate 24 extends upwardly from the upper plate 16. The upper force receiving plate 24 may be generally curved as shown in the Figures. It will be appreciated, however, that the upper force receiving plate 24 may take any suitable geometric configuration. In certain embodiments, the upper force receiving plate 24 may even constitute the end of the upper plate 16. It will further be appreciated that the upper force receiving plate 24 may be disposed at locations on the upper plate 16 other than at the end thereof.

The upper force receiving plate 24 is preferably divided into a plurality of sections; two outermost sections 24 a and a center section 24 b. As shown in FIG. 2, the slits 26 are preferably contiguous from the upper plate 16 and onto the upper force receiving plate 24. Each of the sections 24 a is preferably secured to the outer portions 29 of the upper plate 16. The center section 24 b is preferably secured to the center portion 28 of the upper plate 16. In one embodiment as shown, the outermost sections 24 a and center section 24 b are integrally formed with the outer portions 29 and center portion 28, respectively of the upper plate 16. The center section 24 b can flex in the vertical direction, as is best shown in FIG. 7, relative to the outermost sections 24 a and along with the center portion 28 of the upper plate 16.

The upper MSD component 12 is preferably molded as a single piece. And as set forth above a relatively softer urethane material may be molded over, or otherwise placed over, the upper tooth guide 18. The upper MSD component 12 is preferably rigid. It will be appreciated, however that the legs 20 a, 20 b may flex slightly relative to the upper plate 16 when MSD is being assembled, and the center portion 28 and center section 24 b can flex relative to the outer portions 29 of the upper plate 16 and the outermost sections 24 a of the upper force receiving plate 24, respectively.

In the embodiment shown, the lower MSD component 14 has a lower plate 30. The lower plate 30 is preferably connected to a lower tooth guide 32. The lower tooth guide 32 further may include a lower dental guard 34 that extends such that it may engage the lingual aspect of the mandible of a patient. All or part of the lower tooth guide 32 and dental guard 34 may be covered with a relatively soft material. By way of non-limiting example, the lower tooth guide 32 and/or the lower dental guard 34 may be overmolded with a relatively soft urethane material.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the lower plate 30 extends from the lower tooth guide 32. The lower plate 30 is preferably generally rectangular. While the lower plate 30 is described as being generally rectangular, it will be appreciated that the lower plate 30 may take any suitable geometrical configuration. The lower plate 30 has a plurality of teeth 36. The teeth 36 are preferably located in a position below the top surface of the lower plate 30. It will be appreciated, however, that the teeth 36 may extend above the top surface of the lower plate 30. The teeth 36 of the lower plate 30 cooperate with the pawl 38 on the upper plate 16 to form a ratchet mechanism. The teeth 36 and pawl 38 cooperate to allow the lower plate 30 to move outwardly, from the perspective of the patient, relative to the upper plate 16 from a neutral position to an extended position and to become secured in any number of extended positions. More specifically each tooth 36 has a generally vertical surface 36 a and a ramped or angled surface 36 b. Similarly, the pawl 38 includes a generally vertical surface 38 a and a ramped or angled surface 38 b. The generally vertical surface 38 a of the pawl 38 can engage the generally vertical surface 36 a of a tooth 36 to inhibit longitudinal movement of the lower plate 30 in one direction. The ramped surface 36 b of the teeth 36 allows longitudinal movement of the lower plate 30 in one direction by engaging the ramped surface 38 b and guiding the pawl 38 over the respective tooth 36. More specifically, as the lower plate 30 is moved outwardly, away from the patient, the ramped surface 36 b of each tooth 36 engages the ramped surface 38 b of the pawl 38 to thereby guide the pawl 38 over the respective tooth 36. This allows the lower plate 30 to be moved in the outward longitudinal direction relative to the patient. Once the pawl 38 passes over the tooth 36, the pawl 38 descends and the vertical surface 38 a of the pawl 38 can engage the vertical surface 36 a of the tooth to inhibit movement of the lower plate 30 in the longitudinal direction toward the patient. That is, the pawl 38 is biased in such a way to cause the pawl 38 to descend into engagement with the plurality of teeth 36. In this way, a clinician can move the lower plate 30 to the desired extended position relative to the upper plate 16 and the ratchet mechanism will maintain the lower plate 30 in the desired extended position. It will be appreciated that any number of teeth 36 may be used and may be placed to allow any number of desired extended positions.

The lower MSD component 14 further includes a lower force receiving plate generally indicated at 40. In the embodiment shown, the lower force receiving plate 40 extends transversely to the lower plate 30 and is connected thereto. As shown, the lower force receiving plate 40 extends downwardly from the lower plate 30. The lower force receiving plate 40 may be generally curved as shown in the Figures. It will be appreciated, however, that the lower force receiving plate 40 may take any suitable geometric configuration. It will be appreciated that the lower force receiving plate 40 may be disposed at locations on the lower plate 30 other than at the end thereof.

The back side of the lower force receiving plate 40 may include an area or surface 42 that acts as a hard stop as the lower MSD component 14 is moved from an extended position to the neutral position. As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b , the surface 42 may engage a portion of the leg 20 a and leg 20 b, not shown, to inhibit further movement of the lower MSD component 14 in a direction toward the patient. Such a hard stop may prevent the lower MSD component 14 from moving past the neutral position.

The lower tooth guide 32 may include an area or surface 44 that acts as a hard stop as the lower MSD component 14 is moved to a fully extended position. As shown in FIG. 4b , the surface 44 may engage a portion of the leg 20 a and leg 20 b, not shown, to inhibit further movement of the lower MSD component 14 in the direction away from the patient. Such a hard stop may prevent the lower MSD component 14 from moving outwardly to a fully extended position past a predetermined amount. This may reduce the ability of the lower MSD component 14 from move too far and causing dislocation at the joint. In one preferred embodiment, the length of travel allowed between the hard stops may be about 15 mm.

The lower MSD component 14 is preferably molded as a single piece. And as set forth above a relatively softer urethane material may be molded over, or otherwise placed over, the lower tooth guide 18. The lower MSD component 14 is preferably rigid.

As set forth above, the bottom side of the upper plate 16, legs 20 a, 20 b and lips 22 a and 22 b preferably cooperate to form a guide to receive a lower plate 30. More specifically, when the MSD 10 is assembled, the lower plate 30 is received in the space between the bottom side of the upper plate 16, the legs 20 a and 20 b and the lips 22 a and 22 b. When the MSD is assembled, the lower plate 30 is moveable in the longitudinal direction relative to the upper plate 16 within the guide or space formed between the bottom side of the upper plate 16, legs 20 a, 20 b and lips 22 a and 22 b.

To assemble the MSD 10, the upper MSD component 12 is positioned over the lower MSD component 14 as shown in FIG. 3. The upper plate 16 may be aligned over the lower plate 30. The upper plate 16 and lower plate 30 are moved toward each other as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3. The lower plate 30 may contact the ramped surfaces of the lips 22 a and 22 b on the legs 20 a and 20 b, respectively. As the upper plate 16 and lower plate 30 continue to move toward each other, the legs 20 a and 20 b flex outwardly relative to the axial direction of the upper plate 16. This allows the upper plate 16 to be positioned adjacent to the lower plate 30. Once the lower plate 30 has moved past the lips 22 a, 22 b, the legs 20 a, 20 b return to their unflexed position. In this position, the lower plate 30 is retained in the guide or space that is defined by the bottom side of the upper plate 16, legs 20 a, 20 b and lips 22 a and 22 b. The pawl 34 may engage one of the teeth 32 in the lower plate 30. It is preferred that when the MSD 10 is assembled, the upper tooth guide 18 and lower tooth guard 32 are positioned adjacent each other as best seen in FIG. 4a . This may be referred to as the neutral or non-extended position.

In order to use the MSD 10, the assembled MSD 10, in the neutral position, is positioned relative to a patient. The upper tooth guide 18 is positioned to envelope a dentate or edentulous alveolar ridge of the patient. The lower tooth guide 32 is positioned in such a way the dental guard 34 extends to the lingual aspect of the patient's mandible. By using an upper tooth guide 18 and a lower tooth guide 32 as set forth, the MSD 10 can be used with a dentate or non-dentate application with a variety of dental arch shapes. It will be appreciated that in some instances it may be necessary to place the MSD 10 in an extended position prior to positioning the MSD 10 relative to the patient. Once the MSD 10 is positioned relative to the patient, the patient's mandible can be distracted as follows. A clinician, such as a surgeon, can place his thumbs on the distal surfaces of outermost sections 24 a (those furthest away from the patient) of the upper force receiving plate 24. The clinician can place his index or other fingers on the back side (closest to the patient) of the lower force receiving plate 40. The clinician can hold his thumbs in the same position relative to the patient in such a way that the upper MSD component 12 remains in a relatively fixed position relative to the patient. The clinician can apply a force to the lower force receiving plate in a direction away from the patient, as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 4b and 8. By applying such a force, the lower MSD component 14 moves longitudinally and away from generally perpendicular to the patient to an extended position, as best seen in FIGS. 4b and 8. The ratchet mechanism, pawl 38 and teeth 36, allow movement of the lower MSD component 14 in one direction, outwardly away from the patient, while inhibiting movement in the opposite direction. Because there are several teeth 36, the clinician can extend lower MSD component to any desired extended position along the subluxation path relative to the upper MSD component 12. This allows for relatively smooth mandibular distraction while minimizing any torque. This anterior mandibular distraction causes anterior displacement of the vertical ramus of the mandible which may result in subluxation of the mandibular joint. This, in turn, may allow for, inter alia, greater exposure to the carotid artery, major cranial nerves, or parapharyngeal space in order to perform procedures.

The length of travel of the lower MSD component 14 relative to the upper MSD component is limited by the hard stop, the surface 44 on the lower MSD component engaging the legs 20 a, 20 b of the upper MSD component 12. By providing a hard stop, the length of travel of the lower MSD component 14 relative to the upper MSD component can be controlled. This may help inhibit dislocation of the mandibular joint. In one embodiment, the lower MSD component 14 may extend up to about 15 mm before the hard stop occurs when the surface 44 engages the legs 20 a, 20 b to inhibit further extension of the lower MSD component 14 relative to the upper MSD component 12.

Once the clinician is done with the procedure, the MSD 10 can be returned to the neutral position. This may be done by the clinician applying an upward force to the center section 24 b of the upper force receiving plate 24. As best seen in FIG. 7, the center section 24 b can be raised sufficiently to raise the center section 28 of the upper plate 16 to disengage the pawl 38 from the teeth 36 of the lower plate 30. Once the pawl 38 is disengaged from the teeth 36, the lower MSD component 14 can return to the neutral position. A hard stop, surface 42, on the lower force receiving plate 40 engaging the legs 20 a, 20 b of the upper MSD component 12, inhibits movement of the lower MSD component 14 past the neutral position. Upon returning the MSD 10 to the neutral position, the clinician may then remove the MSD 10 from the patient.

The design of the MSD 10 may provide for a single use device which is relatively easy to use. The design also may avoid the need to require dental mold impressions for each patient. Also, the design of the MSD may provide an MSD that is atraumatic to the nasal cavity or the oral cavity.

The embodiment has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description, rather than of limitation. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the scope of the invention is set forth in the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mandibular subluxation device comprising: a first mandibular subluxation component including an upper plate and an upper tooth guide connected to the upper plate; a second mandibular subluxation component including a lower plate and a lower tooth guide connected to the lower plate; the first mandibular subluxation component connected with the second mandibular subluxation component to allow relative longitudinal movement between the first and second mandibular subluxation components between a neutral position and at least one extended position; and a ratchet mechanism acting between the first and second mandibular subluxation components, the ratchet mechanism allowing for movement of the second mandibular subluxation component from the neutral position to an extended position and inhibiting movement of the second mandibular subluxation component from an extended position toward the neutral position.
 2. The mandibular subluxation device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the ratchet mechanism comprises a pawl on one of the upper plate or the lower plate and a plurality of teeth on the other of the upper plate or the lower plate.
 3. The mandibular subluxation device as set forth in claim 2 wherein the upper plate further comprises a pair of spaced apart slits, the upper plate including a central portion between the spaced apart slits and outer portions disposed outwardly of the slits.
 4. The mandibular subluxation device as set forth in claim 3 wherein the central portion of the upper plate can flex relative to the outer portions, the central portion including the pawl thereon.
 5. The mandibular subluxation device as set forth in claim 4 wherein the first mandibular subluxation component further comprises an upper force receiving plate extending transversely to the upper plate having a pair of outermost sections secured to the outer portions of the upper plate and a center section secured to the center portion of the upper plate.
 6. The mandibular subluxation device as set forth in claim 4 wherein the plurality of teeth are disposed on the lower plate and wherein the pawl is adapted to engage at least one tooth.
 7. The mandibular subluxation device as set forth in claim 6 wherein the second mandibular subluxation component further comprises an lower force receiving plate extending transversely to the lower plate.
 8. The mandibular subluxation device as set forth in claim 6 wherein the pawl includes a ramped surface and a generally vertical surface and each tooth includes a ramped surface and a generally vertical surface, the ramped surfaces of the pawl and tooth allow the pawl to move over the tooth as the second mandibular subluxation component is being moved to an extended position and the generally vertical surfaces of the pawl and tooth cooperating to inhibit movement of the second mandibular subluxation component from being moved from an extended position toward the neutral position.
 9. The mandibular subluxation device as set forth in claim 8 wherein the first mandibular subluxation component includes a pair of legs depending from the outer portions of the upper plate, each of the legs including a lip thereon, the upper plate, legs and lips cooperating to form a guide to receive the lower plate of the second mandibular subluxation component.
 10. The mandibular subluxation device as set forth in claim 8 wherein the central portion of the upper plate is adapted to receive a force to move the center section so as to disengage the pawl from the tooth to allow the second mandibular subluxation component to move toward the neutral position.
 11. The mandibular subluxation device as set forth in claim 10 wherein the second mandibular subluxation component includes at least one stop for limiting relative longitudinal movement between the first mandibular subluxation component and the second mandibular subluxation component.
 12. A method of mandibular subluxation comprising: positioning an upper tooth guide of a first mandibular subluxation component relative to a patient and positioning a lower tooth guide of a second mandibular subluxation component relative to a patient, the second mandibular subluxation component being in a neutral position; applying a force to the second mandibular subluxation component in a direction away from the patient to move the second mandibular subluxation component relative to the first mandibular subluxation component from the neutral position to an extended position to thereby distract the patient mandible; and maintaining the second mandibular subluxation component in an extended position by a ratchet mechanism on the first mandibular subluxation component and the second mandibular subluxation component.
 13. The method of mandibular subluxation as set forth in claim 12 further comprising releasing the ratchet mechanism to thereby allow the second mandibular subluxation component to be moved toward the neutral position. 